Brandon Arnold

Brandon Becomes a Feminist

I was asked to give a brief description on what debatehas done for me, a seemingly simple task, yet it hasbeen one of the most difficult for me. The problem Iwas having was that: what hasn't debate done for me?

While school provides me with the general learningthat somebody somewhere has determined that I"need", debate provides me with the intellectualvitality to explore and discover the things that I ampassionate about. Very rarely do we get to explorecontroversial topics, but debate is the perfect forum toexperiment and discover what I believe in.

The greatest idea that I have been able to discover isthe feminist movement. The debate camp that I wasgiven the opportunity to attend through DUDL showedme how some of our actions in debate rounds and in our daily lives can be very exclusive andforce out our female counter parts. I was so intrigued at changing parts of me to be moreinclusive and respectful, along with discovering a deep intellectual passion that has given methe base to write a 23 page research paper about social norms and how they affect womenentering business, politics, and law.

The debate community also gives me the space to let my voice be heard on items like feminismthat are not often heard, and pursue the passions that each individual has.

-Brandon Arnold, DUDL Class of 2014

Office Location

University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. 2255 East Evans Avenue Suite 406, Denver, CO 80210